The clear-best team throughout that 1999 season was the last one standing, destroying talented squads from both Los Angeles and Portland, before outlasting a Knicks team forever remembered for its indomitable spirit. Duncan had been the Spurs’ bellwether and positioned his team to end the series in five games.

During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Battie wore only jersey Nos. 40 and 4 and put up 6.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.